The replacement of the 1903 building will be a single-story commons area with an outdoor patio and seating overlooking the gym. (Image submitted)

The new commons building structure will allow more space for safe loading and unloading of buses in front of the school. (Image submitted)

Inside, the commons area will connect the high school, elementary and gymnasium without any steps and will contain an elevator serving the gym, commons and second floor of the high school. (Image submitted)

By Molly Moser

Superintendent Shane Wahls presented an update on school facility projects to parents and students in both Guttenberg and Garnavillo on Tuesday, Aug. 22, in preparation for the start of the new school year. Voters approved an increase in the PPEL levy in February, but because the school district opted to lower levy amounts for its management and cash reserve funds, the tax actually decreased by one-third of a cent to $10.92.

St. Mary's Fall Festival will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, in Guttenberg. A self-serve broasted chicken and ham dinner will be served starting at 10:15 a.m. The festival features St. Mary's adult choir singing at 10 a.m. mass, a country store, live local bands throughout the day, a large silent auction, a raffle for a live steer, a kayak, bicycles and more, a sanctioned kiddie tractor pull, an obstacle course, a toddler bounce house and a petting zoo.

When the Guttenberg Municipal Swimming Pool was built in 1974, another development was also taking place – the Ertl family was opening Guttenberg Industries. Having supported the local economy for the past four decades, the Ertl family and their company are going the extra lap for the Wave of the Future. They recently announced a $50,000 donation to the campaign for a new swimming pool in Guttenberg.

Two candidates have filed for three open seats on the Clayton Ridge School board of directors.Incumbents Mike Finnegan and Kathy Ihde are seeking re-election. The third seat, currently held by Jason Reimer, can be filled by voter write-in.

Rural Guttenberg resident Michael Finnegan is up for re-election to the school board on Tuesday, Sept. 12. He has served two four-year terms for the Clayton Ridge School board of directors, and says the experience has been a fulfilling one.

This group of students at Kiteezi enjoyed making crafts. After hearing the story of the disciples casting their nets as Jesus directed, the children made and decorated fish of their own. (Jenny Elsinger photo)

Jenny Elsinger shows pictures from home to a group of students at Kiteezi, during her June trip to Uganda. (Photo courtesy of Jenny Elsinger)

Guttenberg native Jenny Elsinger recently traveled to Africa with the organization Hands of Love USA to volunteer at their schools in Uganda. This is what she had to say about her life changing trip:

“I’ve been aware of Hands of Love for awhile now because my nephew’s sister-in-law, Nora Charlesworth, is the director of the American fundraising division. She took her sister, Joanna Finch, on a mission trip to Uganda a few years ago, and I told them I would be interested in going along sometime if I could ever get it to work with my schedule.”

Following a closed session of the city council at its regular monthly meeting on Aug. 7, Denise Schneider accepted an offer for the city manager position. The position has been vacant since the departure of Mary Willett in July 2016.

Terms of Schneider's employment agreement provide for an annual salary of $63,000 for a three-year term with three-year renewal. The residency requirement was waived. She will begin her duties on Sept. 11.

The new 5,852 square foot steel reinforced, concrete pool vessel would be similar to current footprint and include a zero-depth entry for families with young children. (Image courtesy of Burbach Aquatics)

By Molly Moser

The Wave of the Future will make a splash in Guttenberg this week, as residents will receive literature in the mail about the Guttenberg pool project. Next week, Wave of the Future Campaign Cabinet volunteers will begin visiting their friends and neighbors to answer questions and invite people to help. The neighborhood outreach will include the rural service area as well as Garnavillo.

Families are invited to fly-in, float-in, or simply drive-in to the Aug. 19 event at Abel Island, hosted by island residents Gary and Marcia Fisher. (Press photo by Molly Moser)

By Molly Moser

For the 17th consecutive year, Abel Island will host its annual Fly-in, Float-in, Potluck and Barbecue on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 12 noon to 3 p.m.

“This event is open to all airplanes, whether they are members of the Island Aviation Association, or not,” said organizer and island resident Gary Fisher. “This is one of the limited number of times where island members, as well as Guttenberg area residents, may invite their pilot friends to fly in and enjoy our island without being a full dues-paying aviation association member.”